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South East Asia Three Week Trip plus Honeymoon

My soon to be wife and I are planning on visiting South East Asia (namely Malaysia, Singapore and Bali) for a much needed vacation and honeymoon.
We have traveled together to many parts of the world but have yet to explore this region.

Our tentative travel dates are July 20 to August 11, 2010.

At this point of our planning we are looking for suggestions as to the order of the itinerary, places to stay, sites not to be missed, etc.

From research so far, we plan on flying LAX to SIN, and exploring Singapore for a few days (it will be our roundtrip hub).
From here we are open to and seeking itinerary ideas.

We are both avid travelers and love to explore new regions/cultures/foods, but would also like to take time out to celebrate our Honeymoon by relaxing, etc (e.g. probably in Bali overwater bungalow).
Our budget is roughly $5000-7000 for land only (basically in addition to plans on spending $3K for airfare). We would love to see and experience as much as we can without feeling rushed.

Lookg fwd to advice. Thank you all in advance for your help and time!

P.S. We have previously spent a week in overwater bungalows in Le Meridien Bora Bora and found that to be our "practice" honeymoon. In attempt to not go to same place twice (just yet) we selected South East Asia as during our travel times mid July to mid August the weather seems to be favorable. (I have also looked into side tripping to Maldives but it seems it is monsoon season during our travel dates)

bali is in high season when you want to go... that is good because of the weather, but nont good because many of the prime hotel situations are long ago spoken for....

i am not aware of any stilt housing in bali....

some of the bigger hotels might be the best place to look at this late date: conrad.... pan pacific (i just stayed there and loved it)--le meridien until april 2010.... four seasons... legian.... sayan (sp)--next door to legian... oberoi...

I don't believe there are any over-water bungalows in Bali. Bali has ok beaches, but one doesn't go to Bali for the beaches but for the cultural experience. You'll want to spend part of your time at a beach location, and part of your time inland near Ubud. But, as Bob said, many/most of the nicest places were long ago spoken for.

You mentioned the Maldives, and if what you want is the perfect beach, this is a better location for you, though there is no cultural experience to be had there.

You've started your research quite late, but take a look at some other options. If you have airfare in and out of SIngapore, consider Malaysian Borneo. There are some nice beaches, but there are opportunities for wildlife viewing (including orangutans) that are unique. One could easily spend three weeks in Sabah and Sarawak.

For peninsular Malaysia, consider the Georgetown area of Penang for a maybe five days, then Langkawi for beach would be a nice combination.

Or perhaps you'd like to go farther afield. What about Sri Lanka? (easy air connection through Singapore) Incredible beaches, amazing cultural experiences, and wonderful pampering at tea estates.

If Sri Lanka, Borneo or Penang sound interesting, click on my name and look at my trip reports. Photos are at www.marlandc.com

In Bali, you'll likely want part of your time at a beach town (not a sterile tourist enclave like Nusa Dua) and part of your time near Ubud. For a beach town, I like Sanur. I'd allocate at week for Bali, but you could certainly add a day or two.

As far as elsewhere in the region, if you want to include Borneo, you'll want a minimum of a week if you just want to visit Sabah. I highly recommend the Borneo Rainforest Lodge - staying in the primary rainforest is an incredible experience. You'll want three or four nights there, and you have to spend a night in Kota Kinabalu on your way in and out. You could spend all the rest of your time in Sabah and Sarawak, then fly back to Singapore for your flight home.

You could spend just a week in Sabah and add one more destination. If you opt for this, I'd suggest the Georgetown area of Penang. I wouldn't include KL - it doesn't have nearly as much to offer as Singapore.

So your itinerary might look something like this:
3 days in Singapore
7 days in Bali, divided between beach and inland (fly to SIN then on to KK)
7 days Sabah - overnight in Kota Kinabalu, then fly to Lahad Datu for the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, 4 nights there, then 2 nights in Kota Kinabalu
Fly through Singapore to Penang or through KL to Penang (which ever connection time is better) and spend 4 nights there.
Fly back to Singapore and spend a night there before your flight back to LAX.

I like Seminyak beach because it's lively and is accessible to good restaurants and shops. The Legian is my favorite resort and I also like the Samaya.

There are lots of villas in the area (not on the beach but within walking distance) which would be fun for a honeymoon. This website will give you an idea:http://www.allseminyakvillas.com/

You might also want to consider a stop in Central Java -- Borobudur and Yogyakarta. If you do this go at the early part of your trip before the start of Ramadhan. The Aman resorts offer a combination of the Amanjiwo at Borobudur and Amankila in East Bali. There are also Amans in Ubud and Nusa Dua, but I think there are better choices in Ubud and at the beach.

Lastly, you might consider Lombok for the beach portion of your travels. I haven't been to the Qunci but it's generally well liked. The Oberoi is very nice.

Bali's attractions are not necessarily the beaches but the Balinese Hindu culture, and Ubud is really the best place to experience it. There are nightly dance and gamelan performances in small open-air venues, many temples and beautiful scenery, and Ubud life is much more the traditional culture that people here live every day. As Ubud hotels do book up quickly, (they are all boutique hotels, there are no "hallway" hotels with a hundred rooms here) you should make your reservations right away. Do try sites like Bali Discovery or email hotels you like to see if they have any openings. There are a lot of hotels that are wonderful but lesser known. You don't need to book any drivers in advance, there are many many good drivers in Bali and can be hired after meeting in person. I have met a lot of people who say they travel quite a bit in South East Asia but when they get to Ubud they really have found what they were looking for. For beaches, you might try the Oberoi or Legion area, or even Sanur. Definitely avoid Kuta.

I see that our "honeymoon" portion of trip will have to not be in Bali as I first anticipated since you guys mentioned that beaches of Malaysia are better. Any suggestions on beach places in Malaysia for us?

Also, as first time travelers to this region do you recommend we try to book a tour company for some of our travels or can we just book everything ourselves and get around easily.

bruin, I wouldn't eliminate Bali so fast, especially with Malaysia as the alternative. Bali has many fabulous, honeymoon appropriate resorts -- both on the beach and inland in the Ubud area. The beaches are not pristine (powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters they are not)but they are long, sandy, lively with great waves and great sunsets.

To me the appeal of Bali is twofold: 1. the sophistication of the beach areas -- resorts, shopping, restaurants and 2. the accessibility of the profound natural beauty and fascinating culture of inland areas. It's really a multifaceted holiday in a small geographic area. I don't know of any other place where you can enjoy so much diversity of experience without flying from place to place.

It may be that August just isn't the right time for Bali planning, but if I were you I'd look at some combination of Singapore/Java/Bali/Lombok and relax and enjoy your honeymoon.

You won't need a tour Southeast Asia, though a day or two spent with a guide in Bali or Java is a positive. You seem to have a lot going on in your life right now and don't need to overcomplicate your travel plans. The resorts themselves can do a lot to help facilitate your itinerary, but the key is to settle in on a resort and have a reservation in hand. From there you can expand.

rhk, is the resort on the Westcoast of Malaysia that you were trying to remember Pangkor Laut? I haven't been there but it's always looked appealing.

I would start with seeing what's available in Bali and then plan the rest of the places around it. Over a decade ago, I did Bali in December, the rainy season, and had my reservations done more than 6 months in advance. My best friend used to go there often and also reserved months in advance and she only travels during the low season, as she detests crowds.

BUT, there's still hope. I think you should call Escapes Unlimited at (714)771-3154 or (800) 243-7227. They're down in Orange County, but my best friend, who lives in The Valley, used them for years as her primary agency for Bali. They are the nation's leading authority on Bali. Ask for Roe and see if she's still there. I've heard that she's great. My best friend used her for years and might still be using the agency. I hope they haven't folded in this awful recession.

As for Singapore and Malaysia, three days will be great in Singapore and to fly from Singapore to Kuala Lumper takes only 45 minutes. I don't know how long it takes to get to Penang though. I spent around 2 nights and 3 days in Kuala Lumpur I think it was. I flew up from Singapore to do some shopping and then flew back to Singapore and home to L.A. on that trip. I was gone for a week total. But, I've been in Singapore a lot over the last 12 years.

Have a great trip and honeymoon, from one Bruin alumni to another! Happy Travels!

Having been to the Maldives twice and 3 different resorts I can see why no one is really supporting that destination. I would not think it best either. It can be super expensive and is a Zero for culture, a 9-10 for relaxation at most resorts, a 5-8 at many for snorkeling and diving and and 8-10 for beaches.
Katie's itinerary is a good one but having been to Singapore 6-8 times over the years for business and just 3 months ago for pleasure I think 2 full days might be sufficient. After visiting Little India, possibly the zoo and/or the beautiful botanical gardens,maybe the new 2 casinos(just for their phenominal design artistry) and staying at Raffles and eating at there fabulous chinese restaurant I think you will have had a fair representation of Singapore.
To add another bit of diversity and to take the wisdom of marmot's knowledge and my 3 visits to Bali I personally think 4 full days in Bali is sufficient in order to get 3 days in Central Java. If you want exploring more than relaxing then I would stay in Bali 4 days. I am NOT a fan of the Aman resorts as some on this Forum are aware. My reasons are I find them too sterile and almost like a monestery in their silence near $1000/day with service/tax. I still love the Four Seasons-Sayan in a Deluxe Room ar 2/3rds the price and find the breakfasts and lunches thre consistently better. Also considering you will be out of your room 8+ hours a day exploring and sleeping 8-9 hours a day you have little time to use the facilities but having the babbling river behing your room at the FS-Sayan we think is heaven. Our resident expert marmot's suggestion of using those 3 days to visit Central Java is a great idea.Katie might even support it considering it is only a i hour flight from Bali. It is in many respects different than Bali. They both helped me on our recent 4.5 day stay based in Jogjakarta. Because we were out exploring 9-10 hours a day we also took a pass on the Aman there and stayed on the Club Floor of the Grand Hyatt for $>$300/night in a loveely comfortable room. You could spend 1 day visiting the two main temples including Bobodurur and the local villages around Bobodurur, just facinatinf, one day going out to Dieng Plateau-simply breathtaking scenery for the last portion ofthe trip out there and come back a different route and the third day visit a true batik making and leather making village as well as the Sultan's Palace, especially if you are there on a Sat. or Sunday for the 11 AM special performances.. If either one of you wear eyeglasses in the main shopping center in Jogja on the main floor there are 4 optical shops with very high end genuine eyeglass frames at 1.3 US prices. I putchaes a pair of S.Dupont (a top French designer) frames for$320 that cost $1250 in the US. Tiffany frames had the same price differential. Just a thought but I took them home to have the lenses made in the US. We used a terrific guide, Rachmad, in Jogja and though he was $25/day more than most of the other guides he made our trip. He can be contacted through a firm wiedyanatara@hotmail.com You can use my name, He actually can get you a lower rate at the Hyatt and coordinates with a firm i Bali for first rate guides there. We have sent 2 couples through him and they both found Rachmad as the best guide they ever had.
Lastly on a $5-7,000 budget the Aman resorts are nor really in the cards. Even Raffles, that I suggested, may not be but for 2 nights on a pre-pay rate it might work.

Wow .. thank you all again for the overwhelming response to the thread.

I think I have enough info on Bali and Singapore -- Have started the booking process to get these locations settled since our trip cannot be more last minute.

Any specific recommendations for Malaysia? I see that we do not need to spend more than a few days in KL. I really do think Penang area is not to miss so we gotta work that into the itinerary. This itinerary from Kathie seems great too ...
"7 days Sabah - overnight in Kota Kinabalu, then fly to Lahad Datu for the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, 4 nights there, then 2 nights in Kota Kinabalu". Should I just use this as my blueprint for Malaysia?

Personally,I think Katie's Sabah itineray has you spending too much time traveling and not enough time enjoying if you want to go to penang. Penang is more commercialized but with 4 days in the Rainforest lodge that may not be so bad. It is a shame you will miss the people of Central Java but you can put that destination on your list for your next trip to combine with the Redang islands that are a snorkeler's and divers paradise.Though you do not know me 2 full days/3nights in Singapore is enough and add the extra time to any of the other stops except Borneo because 4 days there is appropriate. ENJOY and much success in your married life together.
Enjoy.

Since we are VERY close to our anticipated departure dates, I have spoke to a few travel companies in arranging our land portion of the trip. [normally I would do all the booking and planning myself to create a custom itinerary but its too short notice ]

Here is an itinerary put together for me so far ... mind you we will be spending more days than this so I was going to ask the travel company to add some days ... Currently I have us landing in SIN on July 21 and flying back out on Aug 9th (which means that I have 6 more days to add to the below itinerary.

question is - what do you guys think? and where should I add and subtract.

I think some mentioned that we should not stay in Nusa Dua area (yet the Nusa Dua Beach hotel seems nice) Please advise.

July 21 – Arrive Singapore
Arrive in Singapore. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. (York Hotel)

July 22 - Singapore
After breakfast, take a city tour to see the waterfront, China Town, Little India, and the botanical garden. Tonight take a dinner cruise through the harbor. (B/D)

July 23 – Singapore/Penang
Arrive in Penang, the tranquil island paradise of the Orient. Transfer to your hotel. (Holiday Inn)

July 24 - Penang
Enjoy an island tour, which includes a visit to Georgetown, the Snake Temple, fruit and clove plantations, a batik factory, fishing village, Fort Cornwall and the Bukit Dunbar Reservoir. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

July 25 - Penang/Kuala Lumpur
Arrive in Malaysia's capital city of Kuala Lumpur. You are greeted and transferred to your hotel. (Swiss Garden Hotel) (B)

July 26 - Kuala Lumpur
Morning tour of Kuala Lumpur. See the Moorish-style Railway Station, stunning architectural design of the Parliament House, the National Mosque, King's Palace and the Museum containing dramatic exhibits of the past. This evening starts with a stroll in Chinatown, followed by a Malay dinner and cultural show. (B/D)

July 27 - Kuala Lumpur
Today, your time is at leisure for independent exploration of this neat and clean city with well-planned gardens that make strolling a pleasure. (B)

July 28 - Kuala Lumpur/Malacca/Kuala Lumpur
Drive south via the Seremban/Malacca Highway, passing rubber and oil palm plantations, satellite towns and typical villages. On arrival at the historical town of Malacca, proceed to the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple on the Street of Harmony. Drive by the antique/ junk street to greet the imposing red Dutch Stadhuys building. Take a stroll up St. Paul's Hill to see the ruins of St. Paul's Church, where St. Francis Xavier was once buried. Visit the Porta de Santiago. Lunch at a city restaurant. Return to Kuala Lumpur in the afternoon. (B/L)

July 29 – Kuala Lumpur/Bali
Fly to the tropical paradise of Bali, and transfer to your accommodations on the white sandy beaches of the island's southeast coast. (Nusa Dua Beach Hotel) (B)

July 30 - Bali
Set off this morning on an excursion into the hills of central Bali and the village of Ubud, the artistic center of the island. Stop for a performance of traditional Barong dance, visit the silversmiths at Celuk and a batik workshop in Tohpati, and stroll through Ubud's central market. Afternoon free. (B)

July 31 - Bali
A full-day tour to Mt. Batur volcano in eastern Bali includes a stop at Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) in Bedulu and panoramic views of both the inner core of the volcano and of Lake Batur. On your return, stop to view the rice terraces of Sebatu and visit Gunung Kawi Temple and woodcarver's gallery. (B/L)

Aug 1 - Bali
Day at leisure exploring on your own or relaxing on the beach. Late this afternoon, your guide escorts you to Uluwatu Temple. After viewing the sunset, descend to a local restaurant for Balinese cuisine. (B/D)

August 2/3 - Bali
Two full days on your own. (B)

August 4 – Depart Bali to SIN and to USA?
After breakfast transfer to the airport. (B)

Do do know that you will be paying a lot of $$ for things you don't need, don't you? And this itinerary is just awful. The travel agent takes you from place to place with no time to pause and see or experience anything.

No way do you need a hotel transfer in Singapore. And take a look at www.agoda.com for a wide variety of Singapore hotels at better prices than the travel agent. You also do not need any kind of city tour. Singapore is easy to navigate via MRT or taxi. Add at leat one more day to Singapore, as you'll need it to recover fom your long flight.

Penang. I do not recommend that you stay at the beach in Penang. The beaches are so-so. What is special is staying in Georgetown. If your budget allows, opt for the E&O (best prices are usually on the E&O website). Likewise, there is no need for a tour in Penang. if you want a car and driver (we didn't) look at Bob's recent trip report for his driver. Add at least two days to Penang, three if you can.

KL - again, no need for a tour. Two or three days is all you need for KL.

Malacca - It makes little sense to do KL-Malacca-KL in one day. Do an overnight in Malacca, then luxury bus onward to Singapore.

Fly Singapore to Bali.

Bali - Under no circumstances should you stay at Nusa Dua. It's a sterile tourist enclave for people who are afraid to be in Bali. Divide your Bali time between a beach hotel and a hotel inland near Ubud. Stay a minimum of a week in Bali. Get a driver in Bali for a couple of days.

kathie is right....this is worse than awful!!! this is just a bus tour which has been reworked for you...

now the timing is very late and perhaps past your pay by date??

you will need a vacation to recoup from this...

i was just in penang last month and the HI is way to the north of the island and our driver told us that the sea is all polluted there---do not swim... you need to be staying in georgetown to be honest...

maleka is a lovely town/city, but a day trip there is a waste of time really....kathie's suggestion is far better.....there is a cheap hyatt there to stay in...the town is lovely...

Thanks again Kathy. I in no way have commited to the listed itinerary. I honestly do not trust tour companies and hate the fact that the trip planning is so last minute that it pushed me to turn to them as an option.

Needless to say, I will come home tonight and just crank out the trip bookings according to your itinerary.

I know this is asking A LOT -- but would you be able to give me more specific about your itinerary. (e.g. which beach hotel and where in Bali is best to stay etc.)

Basically I will take all your guys expetise and line by line start looking and booking things tonight.

No matter how crazy the planning may get -- its still better than allowing a travel agency ruin my vacation.

Can you give us a per night hotel budget? That will help us suggest appropriate places. What airline are you flyng transpacific? Exactly how many days on the ground in Asia do you have? (Don't forget to account for the international dateline on your flight to Asia)

Well, “Penang, the tranquil island paradise of the Orient” should have given you a clue that something was off. You can do this without a tour, but you need to spend some time on line (or at this point on the telephone) making reservations.

I think Penang and Malacca are interesting places but I’m less enthusiastic about KL. If I were to choose a third destination in addition to Singapore and Bali I’d go to Bangkok and maybe another place in Thailand.

I’m not totally negative on Nusa Dua as there are some nice resorts and beaches there but that’s it, resorts and beaches. The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel is pretty mediocre, though. You could do better.

If you stay in Sanur or Seminyak you get beach plus community. In Sanur you get a good swimming beach and the sunrise. In Seminyak you get a big wave beach and the sunset.. I personally like Seminyak because I like shops and restaurants, but both beaches have their attractions.

Suggestions in Seminyak: The Legian, Semaya, Sofitel, or one of the many, many private villas. I'd go to one of the Seminyak villa sites and see what's available for two people during your dates.

In Ubud you should decide whether you want to be in town where you have walking access to shops, restaurants, some performance venues or outside of Ubud where you get beautiful views and village culture.

I'm really glad that you have not committed to the schedule you have posted as it's beyond horrible. I thought that if you were to use a travel agency that it would be to basically book you into the hotels and help you with booking the transportation between countries. I didn't know that you were considering one of those, "If it's Tuesday, it must be Belgium" types of schedules. They don't work so well, to say the least, in S.E. Asia.

When my best friend booked her first trip to Bali through the Roe that I mentioned above, she booked only hotels and airfare. Then when she got to Bali, she booked all of her tours herself as there are tour stands all over the place once you get there. So, why pay for all of that "tour" stuff stateside? I never have anywhere in S.E. Asia. When I get to my destination and possibly want to take a tour to somewhere that it might be difficult for me to get to, then I either hire a private driver, like I did in Bali and KL or go to the local tour office and select a tour that I'm in the mood to do.

As for Nusa Dua...my best friend tried it out, on her first trip and hated it. She said that she felt stuck inside of a tourist compound. But, she didn't only choose Nusa Dua as she was gone two weeks to Bali and also chose another hotel, in Ubud area, the Kalamandu, just in case. And the "just in case" happened. The second place that she ended up in was her paradise and she's gone back to that hotel several times. It's changed quite a bit now I've heard, so she's probably moved on to some other hotel.

For me, I've only stayed in Ubud and at two different places; one on the compound of the owner of the place, about 4 bungalows total and the other on a ground that had 6 residences of which I was the only resident.

As for Singapore, it's probably the easiest place on the planet to navigate. The whole country is only plus or minus 250 square miles big. L.A. County is 500 square miles big. So, in Singapore, you can do everything on your own both on the MRT (subway) and by taxi and bus. And you need more than one day in Singapore. As for the York Hotel, never heard of it. There are so many great hotels in Singapore. I've been going regularly since the 90s.

An example of how easy and efficient Singapore is, on one trip I landed in Singapore, went through immigrations, picked up my luggage, exchanged money, walked over to the taxi stand and was in a taxi in less than five minutes, and then was at my hotel, The Fullerton, and in my room within an hour and 15 minutes after the plane had hit the runway. I timed it. The taxi cost about S$20.00 (Singapore dollars which would be less than US$20).

On my November 2009 trip to Singapore, I landed around 1:30AM, took the airport tram to the other side of the airport and checked into the airport transit hotel at 2:00AM and was in bed by 2:15AM and then up at around 5:30AM to have breakfast and then walk over to the gate for my 8AM flight to Bangkok.

As for KL, a friend came with me on that trip and we had no city tours arranged. We were staying at the Ritz Carlton ($105.00 a night for a double in 2002), and one day while we were walking over to the nearby government craft center, Kuryaneka (sp?), my friend noticed a taxi driver that she had also seen parked outside the Ritz Carlton. He was asking us if we needed his services. So, I went over and bargained with him and he ended up our private driver for 38RM per hour, around $7.50 an hour back then I believe whereas the agency rated to get a private driver then was $20.00 an hour. He would pick us up at the Ritz Carlton, drive us wherever "WE" wanted to go and then drive us back for tea time and wait for us (off of paid time) and then drive us to our next destinations. We'd shop and then leave all the shopping bags in his car while we shopped some more. He was great. Had we booked a driver through the Ritz Carlton, it would have cost us a bundle. He even drove us to the airport the day we were to fly back to Singapore. In S.E. Asia one can independently bargain with drivers. On his off times, we just walked places. And it was in the hot spring, but we're used to the heat as it was cooler there than August/September here in L.A.

I also think that you have too many places scheduled for your trip and not enough time to "absorb" as that's what S.E. Asia is about. It's not Europe. Things move slower and one just needs more "absorption" time, so to speak. Happy Travels!

I have one suggestion that I am certain is very worth considering. We have stayed in the Ritz in KL 2 times and it truly is riding on it's name. The second time, 2008, we checked in and out in out when we saw they had done little to upgrade the rooms and passage ways though they always make the grand lobby look upscale. The sheraton-LUXURY COLLECTION-not the regular Sheraton was an 8 with the Ritz a 4-5 by comparison. What a surprise and the service was impeccable. In 2008 the rate was as I remember a few dollars less or the same. After a day of touring returning to a wonderful comfortable room is really pleasant.I no you do not have it on your agenda but do not get convinced into visiting the Batu Caves just outside KL. Though it is interesting it is a leisure day for you and that is not leisure walking all those steps to the cave. also the Petrones Tower is impressive but it is not worth waiting on line for, IMO. If you pass it and there isno line you might want to go to go up the view is most impressive.Again have a wonderful time.

The more I look at the tour "itinerary", the more I hate it because it is a typical tour. I simply wanted help with booking of hotels etc -- not a guided tour (which is super expensive anyway).

So I have now used the tour company to look up flights only at this point -- both US to SIN and inter-asia. These seem to be discounted at this late date vs me booking each flight individually.

We have 20-21 days on the ground in Asia.
Our budget for hotel is roughly 200-250$ per night.

Once in asia these are all tentative flights and dates. I do not at ALL mind changing this itinerary. The only parts of the flights I like so far is the roundtrip flight -- it allows me to fly out of SFO (which is cheaper and shorter flight) to SIN on Cathay Pacific and then Return on Aug 9th from Bali to LAX on Cathay. I can change all the interasia flights to my liking and get a better deal than just booking roundtrip flight myself.

With that said (and per kathie's prequest).. here is the tentative dates and flight plan so far.

July 28th -- Fly Penang to Kuala Lumpur (or should I use another method of transport).
Spend one night in Kuala Lumpur (just to see city) and then treck to Malaca (whats best way to do this?)
Spend 3 nights in Malaca area (or should I go somewhere else?)

Aug 1 - Fly Kuala Lumpur (or where I end up per your recommendation) to DENspasar Bali.

I can then spend the rest of the time exploring Bali per your recommendations until Aug 9th.

Aug 9th -- Depart Bali/Hong Kong/Los Angeles.

What you guys think?

I basically want to get the flights booked and locked with travel agency and then lock in my accomodations.

much better all around.... easiest to fly from penang to K/L... check out the sheraton imperial hotel in K/L...quite nice...

look at clove hall in penang.... eat at sine museum restaurant and GEM restaurants in penang..

there is a cheap hyatt in melaka.... great rest. in downtown melaka...stand on bridge over river and look toward the sea and on your right is the restaurant with open windows overlooking the river....best food we had there...

Even though KL is not my favorite city, one night there is no time at all, you won't even have a full day. So up this to 2 nights in KL which will give you a full day to explore. Go by luxury bus from KL to Malacca.

Reduce Malacca to 2 nights. It's a small place, and while charming, two nights is enough. Go by luxury bus from Malacca to SIngapore (that way you don't backtrack). You can then spend a night in Singapore, or, depending on flight schedules, fly to Bali after arriving in Singapore.

I don't know the Cathay Pacific flight times - is it realistic to fly Denpasar-Hong Kong- LAX all at one go?

Another resource for hotels is www.latestays.com Sometimes they have really fabulous deals, sometimes not, so compare with the hotel's own site and a discount site like agoda.

Some hotel suggestions: SIngapore - Swisshotel the Stamford. Agoda has a great deal for your dates at US$180++ (means plus tax and service) but it is non-refundable. The Fairmont is in the same location, but a better hotel at $217, again a non-refundable price. Those are just two of many options.

Penang, opt for either the E&O, the Grande Dame in Georgetown, a Sarkie Bros hotel restored to its former glory. If you like historic hotels, this is the place for you. Agoda has it for $213, including breakfast (what a breakfast!) for a premier suite, which give you a small balcony overlooking the water. The other option is Clove Hall. A small boutique hotel that looks lovely and Bob and Karen liked it. It's farther from things than the E&O, we basically walked everywhere.

I agree with Katie; Take 1 full day in KL and cut 1 day off Malacca, though I have not been there, KL is definetly worth the experience, trust me. Yes, it is the Sheraton-Imperial and itis under $250/night.

In South Bali you can take metered taxis or arrange a car and driver for an extended period by the hour or by the day. In other parts of Bali cars and drivers and readily available, through your resort or in town.

You can book the luxury bus once you get there. Your hotel can help you, or simply do it for you. Once you have made your reservations, you can contact the concierge and have them do it in advance if it makes you more comfortable. I think you could book the day before pretty easily.

Which leaves 2 nights to distribute somewhere. Should I add 2 nights to Bali and see/stay in another area aside from Ubud and Seminyak?
or should we add Langkawi Malaysia for 2 nights?

With regards to Bali:
Per your recommendations I am working on Bali accomodations first.
In planning 3 nights in Ubud area and 4 nights in Seminyak -
The premier hotels you guys listed (Legian, etc. are above budget and others booked).
I am currently looking at villas or maybe sofitel in Seminyak and FuramaXclusive in Ubud.
Since we plan on being in Bali for last week of our trip -- I figured this should be more of a honeymoon experience.
With that in mind, do you recommend that we stay in Ubud first or Seminyak prior to departure to US?

VISA requirements -- Since we are going to Bali only do we need to obtain a visa beforehand in the US? Or will we be ok in getting the visa-on-arrival?

Malaysia:
at current planning stages we got 3 nights in Penang area (georgetown)
2 nights in Kuala Lumpur
2 nights in Malacca

I think Sofitel is a good choice in Seminyak. It’s right on the beach with nice grounds and good access to restaurants, shops. It’s really a large resort, though. If you want something more private and intimate try for a villa.

There are tons of moderately priced choices in the Ubud area. I don’t know FuramaXclusive, but I’d be a little leary as to me Japanese = groups. Did you try the Alam Sari? Any of the Komanekas? Kupu Kupu Barong is a good honeymoonish place that might fit your budget.

I like Ubud first, then beach as after all that serenity I'm usually ready for a more lively atmophere. I could easily fill up 4 nights in Ubud, , but it really depends on your interests.

Yes, you can secure a visa on arrival at Denpasar airport. Sometimes there’s a line; sometimes it’s quite efficient.

Third place in Bali is tough. Maybe take a look at the Alila Manggis. (Or if you're up for a super splurge Amankila). Otherwise I'd just extend to 4 + 4. There's plenty to do in both places. The other night you could add to either Malaysia or Singapore.

Actually, I'm still pulling for Bangkok. I think it has a lot more to offer than any of your destinations in Malaysia.

i see no need to visit the extreme north, north of bratan....having just done it there was nothing new in that area that cannot be seen from ubud or even sanur on day trips, albeit long days.... that is why i like to use someone like putu who will cart you around to the important places, linking several in a one day drive of up to 10 hours...

I think you are getting good advice from these threads, as I'm an American who lives in Singapore. Two days is enough in Malacca (by bus) and I think KL is really quite ordinary, needing no more than two days. Watch out for taxis there as they are not trustworthy (use your hotel for advice).

Penang is very nice but no where in Malaysia are the beaches first rate (that's Thailand or Indonesia).

I'm not a huge fan of Bali, I prefer Lombok next door...which is unspoiled and still has 5-star places (with the Oberoi chain). It's pricy but worth every penny in relaxation. Easy flight there on Silk Air from Singapore.

The York Hotel is a "Chinese" hotel that caters to tour groups of Chinese decent. It is also quite old. If you are on a budget, the Holiday Inn off of Orchard Road (not River Valley) is very convenient to most sights, MRT, and buses. Its a very good 3.5-star value. There's lots of places in the Marina Bay area (and adjacent Sands Casino) that are much nicer and more expensive.

If you enjoy snorkeling you really are ideally located when you are in KL as I mentioned before to fly to the Redang islands (~$170RT) 60 minute flight and pick one of the 2 best hotel on the main island where you land. There is a morning flight so you could goout snorkeling in the afternoon and the morning of the next day anf take the afternoon flight back to kl. Wefeel it is some of the best snorkeling in S.E. Asia. the beaches by the way are long and wide as well. as i remember we stayed at the Behjara (spelling is off) beach Hotel where a deluxe room with great A/C and meals (fairly good) would be $250 tops, you do not need a villa as we had0 in today's dollars.It really is amazing ubderwater. far etter than Bali, Lombok, Gilli's abnd as good as the fabled Prehentian Islands.
The airline takes off from the Municipal/City airport NOT the international airport, a15 taxi from KL center. on the return we took a taxi from the city airport to the international airport ($20 in todays dollars) and that took in early rush hour traffiv 45 minutes tops.

I didn't know about the Samaya villas in Ubud. Website looks nice. Must be very new though so be sure to confirm that construction is actually completed.

The Chedi Club is set in a beautiful garden surrounded by rice paddy. No river view here. The villas are old but have been redecorated. Not entirely successfully in my opinion. The pool, restaurant are lovely. Service excellent.

Tough choice between Anatara and Oberoi. Anatara is new and a little on the glitzy side. Oberoi is old and is a little on the worn out side. They're quite near each other -- same stretch of beach.

Oberoi has individual villas and beautiful gardens. The design is somewhat dated. Anatara rooms are contempory -- I thought a little strange. The overall public space is crowded -- right on top of the Sofitel.

My favorite restaurants in Seminyak are LaLucciola, Sip, Metis, Sarong. Kudeta more for the experience than the food. It's also good for after dinner drinks.

Doc Cheng's is great though a little pricey but worth the money. You should have a great time. I would hire a guide/driver for at least 3 days in Bali. either use my contact in central Java or another but stay away from Bali Holiday's . Their guides are very not well scooled in English.
ENJOY!!